Amy Gallivan

Six white doves were released as the charity walkers who set off from Skegness made it into Derby to commemorate the year anniversary of the six Philpott children who died after a house fire.

The moving tribute was paid by dedicated friends and family through an 80 mile plus walk which started from the Clock Tower at Skegness on Monday, May 6 and finished on Saturday in Osmaston Park, Derby with a fun day.

A group of 13, including the grandfather of the six Philpott children took part in the walk which members have described as ‘amazing’ and ‘emotional’.

Jeannie Donnan, godparent, who took part in the walk, said: “It was just amazing when we arrived into Derby, everyone cheered and greeted us.

“It was emotional but a happy day and the cause kept us going, we wanted to give something back to the community of Derby.”

The Mayor of Derby, Lisa Higginbottom opened the fun day at 1pm which included entertainment, live acts, dancing, raffles, bouncy castles and much more.

“When we came down the road towards the park everyone was cheering and it made it feel as though all the pain had gone,” said Michael Price, friend who took part in the walk.

The fun day took place on the anniversary of the blaze in the house in Victory Road, Allenton, which tragically killed the six Philpott children.

To begin with, the team had raised around £2,500 to £3,000 for the charity, Catch Me When I Fall but are hoping to have raised a lot more from the walk and fun day.

The charity was set up by a group of Allenton residents in memory of the Philpott children and will help other causes in the Derby area.

To find out more, visit its Facebook page or email catchmefacebook@hotmail.co.uk